The term "harshly" in the context of the Bible often refers to actions or words that are severe, unkind, or lacking in compassion. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that address the concept of harshness, both in human interactions and in the divine context.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, harshness is frequently depicted in the relationships between individuals, particularly in the context of authority and servitude. For instance, in Exodus 1:14, the Egyptians are described as treating the Israelites harshly: "They made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their harsh labor, the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly" . This passage highlights the oppressive and cruel treatment that the Israelites endured, serving as a backdrop for God's deliverance.

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also addresses the issue of harshness. Proverbs 15:1 states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" . This proverb underscores the power of words and the importance of responding with gentleness rather than harshness, which can escalate conflict.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles further emphasize the avoidance of harshness, particularly in the context of Christian conduct and relationships. Ephesians 6:4 advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" . This instruction warns against harsh parenting, advocating instead for nurturing guidance.

Similarly, Colossians 3:19 instructs, "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them" . This command reflects the broader Christian ethic of love and respect within the family unit, opposing any form of harsh treatment.

Divine Justice and Mercy

While human interactions are cautioned against harshness, the Bible also presents a balance between God's justice and mercy. God's judgments can be severe, yet they are always just and righteous. In Romans 11:22, Paul writes, "Consider therefore the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in His kindness" . This passage illustrates the dual aspects of God's nature—His kindness and His severity—each applied appropriately according to His divine wisdom.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on harshness is clear: while human interactions should be characterized by gentleness, kindness, and love, God's dealings with humanity, though sometimes severe, are always just and purposeful. The Bible encourages believers to reflect God's character by avoiding harshness and embodying compassion and understanding in their relationships.(adv.) In a harsh manner; gratingly; roughly; rudely.2616. katadunasteuo -- to exercise power over
... of Speech: Verb Transliteration: katadunasteuo Phonetic Spelling: (kat-ad-oo-nas-
tyoo'-o) Short Definition: I overpower, quell, treat harshly Definition: I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2616.htm - 6k

2852. kolaphizo -- to strike with the fist
... Word Origin from kolaphos (a blow with the fist) Definition to strike with the fist
NASB Word Usage beat...with their fists (2), harshly treated (1), roughly ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2852.htm - 7k

4183. polus -- much, many
... more (1), few* (1), freely (1), full (1), further (1), further* (3), great (33),
greater (4), greater numbers (1), greatly (5), hard (2), harshly (1), heartily ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4183.htm - 9k

6031a. anah -- to be bowed down or afflicted
... humbled (6), humbling (1), mistreat (1), oppressed (1), oppressors (1), ravish
(1), ravished (2), silenced (1), submit (1), treated her harshly (1), violate (1 ...
/hebrew/6031a.htm - 5k

7186. qasheh -- hard, severe
... Word Origin from qashah Definition hard, severe NASB Word Usage cruel (2), difficult
(2), fierce (2), hard (5), hardship (1), harsh (4), harshly (5), heavier (1 ...
/hebrew/7186.htm - 6k

393. akzar -- cruel, fierce
... cruel, fierce. From an unused root (apparently meaning to act harshly); violent;
by implication deadly; also (in a good sense) brave -- cruel, fierce. ...
/hebrew/393.htm - 6k

7489a. raa -- to be evil, bad
... prefer* (2), sad (2), still do wickedly (1), suffer (1), suffer harm (1), treat
me so badly (1), treat you worse (1), treated (1), treated us harshly (1), went ...
/hebrew/7489a.htm - 6k

The Allegories of Sarah and Hagar
... But this Hagar will always be wishing to be mistress, as well as Sarah; and Sarah
will never allow that, but will be sure to treat her harshly, and drive her ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the allegories of sarah and.htm

The Testing of Joseph's Brothers
... When Joseph saw his brothers, he knew them; but he acted as a stranger toward them
and spoke harshly to them and said, "Where do you come from?" They said ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the testing of josephs brothers.htm

A Little Sermon to School-Girls.
... Suppose, for instance we know we are liable to give way to bad tempers
and to speak hastily and harshly. We may even feel that it ...
/.../a little sermon to school-girls.htm

Love's Complaining
... As he is the most careful observer, so he is the most candid. He is ever "the faithful
and true witness." He loves much, and therefore he never judges harshly. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/loves complaining.htm

Chapter xlii
... 7-9. And Joseph saw his brethren and recognized them, but he acted as a stranger
toward them and spoke harshly with them, and said to them: Where do you come ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlii.htm

A Persuasive to Steadfastness
... May I remind you"and I would not judge anyone harshly"certainly no man more harshly
than I would myself"it is one thing to profess to be a partaker of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/a persuasive to steadfastness.htm

The Death of Pilate, who Condemned Jesus.
... Nor was he able to speak harshly to him in anything; and he who seemed so terrible
and fierce in his absence, now in his presence is somehow found to be mild. ...
/.../unknown/the death of pilate who condemned jesus/the death of pilate who.htm

The Finding of Moses
... shepherds from Canaan was dead long ago, and the new kings, or Pharaohs as they
were called, hated foreigners, and began to treat the Israelites very harshly. ...
/.../steedman/the babe in the bulrushes/the finding of moses.htm

Unbelievers Upbraided
... When we see any of our friends falling into sin and unbelief, we must seek
to deal wisely with them,"always kindly,"never harshly. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/unbelievers upbraided.htm

Preface.
... In fact, it seems desirable to diminish, rather than to increase, the spirit of
censoriousness which often leads men so harshly to condemn the errors and sins ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/preface.htm

Scrape (3 Occurrences)
... of (something) with a sharp or rough instrument; to rub over with something that
roughens by removing portions of the surface; to grate harshly over; to abrade ...
/s/scrape.htm - 9k

Harshly (20 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Harshly (20 Occurrences). ... (See NAS). Colossians 3:19 Married
men, be affectionate to your wives, and do not treat them harshly. (WEY). ...
/h/harshly.htm - 11k

Unconcerned (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Unconcerned (2 Occurrences). Job 39:16 She deals
harshly with her young ones, as if they were not hers. ...
/u/unconcerned.htm - 7k

Jar (45 Occurrences)
... 4. (vi) To give forth a rudely quivering or tremulous sound; to sound
harshly or discordantly; as, the notes jarred on my ears. ...
/j/jar.htm - 21k

Grate (6 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) To rub roughly or harshly, as one body against another, causing a harsh
sound; as, to grate the teeth; to produce (a harsh sound) by rubbing. ...
/g/grate.htm - 10k

Treats (7 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Job 39:16 She deals harshly with her young ones, as if they were
not hers. Though her labor is in vain, she is without fear, (See NAS NIV). ...
/t/treats.htm - 8k

Roughly (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a rough manner; unevenly; harshly; rudely; severely;
austerely. Multi-Version Concordance Roughly (8 Occurrences). ...
/r/roughly.htm - 8k

Reject (56 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To cast from one; to throw away; to discard. 2. (vt) To refuse to receive
or to acknowledge; to decline haughtily or harshly; to repudiate. ...
/r/reject.htm - 21k

Discord (7 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) Union of musical sounds which strikes the ear harshly or disagreeably, owing
to the incommensurability of the vibrations which they produce; want of ...
/d/discord.htm - 8k

Dealt (130 Occurrences)
... hand. Do to her whatever is good in your eyes." Sarai dealt harshly with
her, and she fled from her face. (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV). ...
/d/dealt.htm - 37k

Why did Jesus rebuke the scribes and Pharisees so harshly in Matthew 23:13 36? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God judge Nineveh so harshly in the book of Nahum? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God judge Edom so harshly in the book of Obadiah? | GotQuestions.org

Harshly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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